I have recounted the story many times that when AJ told me he wanted to run Iditarod, I made him a promise. I told him that I would do everything in my power to get the team to the starting line, he has to get the team to the finish line. In Nome, we are a team even though some of our work is the same, some of it is different.

Following my arrival in Nome on Wednesday morning, the preparations to welcome the team began with the mantra repeating through my mind: make things easy for the dogs, make things easy for AJ. I do not want him to worry a weary body or mind with with locating the space for the dogs or spend additional effort assembling crates.

I learned a lot of things the hard way with his first finish, yet much of it is now more of a routine. I know the dog lot managers by sight and they know me although without our arctic gear on we admitted today we could not pick each other out of a line up. My back up plan to transporting crates from the airport to the dog lot is multiple trips in a cab with a good tip, and I know the hours of the closest market so I can secure a congratulatory Diet Pepsi to give to AJ at the finish line. And, the same advice I give to AJ, I try to give to myself—Please and thank you go a long way. All these things, I like to think I have dialed in when it comes to my role in Nome.

Shortly after landing in Nome and thanks to our host family, I was able to transport dog crates to the airport. Once at the dog lot, I looked for one of two yellow parkas—the garb worn by the couple who have served as the dog lot managers since our first finish. The wife of the dog lot managing duo promptly directed me to space designated for our team. If you can have prime real estate in a dog lot, ours is it. Joe (as in the good doctor who completed all three of his qualifiers running out of our kennel this season) helped me assemble crates and put straw in each. As I re-labled the faded marker on the top of each crate with our last name, the husband of the same duo spoke from over my shoulder, “Well, it’s one of our favorites.” As I continued my work, he told me that they always liked when our team comes into the dog lot—they like that we keep and leave it clean and appreciate the care we give to our dogs. I felt proud not only of Snowhook, but of myself in fulfilling my role in Nome. I could not help it.

Joe and I left the dog lot completely prepared for the team. All that remains to be done is for them to arrive. From the finishing chute, I will direct the team to our holdings in the dog lot. A meal will be prepared for the dogs, massages given and soft words spoken to each. And, after a couple of hours’ work in the dog lot we will welcome sleep.

After leaving its mandatory 8 hour layover in White Mountain, I expect the team to arrive between 5:00 and 7:00 on Thursday morning. Due to the earlier hour, I will not have access to the tracker so it will be up to my mental calculations that take into account a good run and a bad run. I employed the same method last year, and calculated to within 20 minutes of the team’s finish. In case basic math fails both Joe and I, we plan to gear up and begin waiting under the arch in the wee hours of the morning. A best-damn-handling-wife can never be too careful.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some Diet Pepsi and ice cream to procure…

****

Thanks to the Plunderers and Chet the Jet for helping me keep my promise to AJ and for making Snowhook ‘your’ team—that is the other thing of which I can not help but be proud.

Our team in the Iditarod reached Nome yesterday, passing under the famed burled arch. Congratulations to AJ (musher), Rebecca (CEO) and all those brave members of the nation within. Rebecca has taken the time to write nightly updates, for which we’re very grateful. Here’s her last, sent without much of an internet connection:

After eleven days on the trail of encountering -60 temperatures, high winds and fierce storms, Team Snowhook crossed under the burled arch in Nome. Following our reunion under the arch we spent a long time tending to the dogs: feeding, straw for bedding, getting the thumbs up from the vets, and feeding again, walking the dogs, massaging and feeding once more. And, then we slept.

AJ filled me in on stories and some details of the trail over pizza (thanks Sharon and Digger). He is very proud of the dogs. I am very proud of both AJ and the team, very proud.

The dogs will return home today and we will follow on Monday.

***

We sincerely appreciate the Plunderers’ support and friendship. We are honored to be called ‘your team.’ Thank you.

At long last AJ and the team have made it to the White Mountain checkpoint where they will enjoy a mandatory eight hour layover before they can continue. Seventy-seven miles remains of their race. Word from a volunteer at a checkpoint is that the dogs are doing well, yet AJ is sick. How sick and with what, I don’t know. But, I haven’t time and time again said that AJ is the strongest person I know both mentally and physically for no reason. They have traveled through unseasonably warm temperatures, slogged through poor trail conditions and have truly plundered on through every trial on the trail. To say that I am proud of AJ and the team doesn’t come close.

The rule of thumb is that teams will cross the finish line approximately twelve hours after leaving White Mountain. The team will leave White Mountain shortly after 5:30 a.m. (Alaska) C. Hobbit Harris and I will prepare to greet Snowhook under the burled arch early afternoon on Thursday. We will celebrate under the arch, care for the dogs, and then engage in an activity that is long overdue—rest.

I want to thank the Plunderers (that includes Spence and Admin) for all your support. For helping us get to the starting line, for cheering us on in person and in spirit, and for being the best damn cheering section. Ever.